While rumors of a mid-engine Corvette have and will no doubt continue to swirl for the years to come even after the imminent presentation of the C7, GM has no immediate plans to make such a dramatic change to its flagship model.

However, the custom industry is a different story. Enter the world of the V7 Prototype, a custom made 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 that’s heading to the auction block at the 2012 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Florida, which runs from April 5 to 7.

This GM Design Award winning Corvette has been re-built from the ground up featuring a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout in an admittedly, very odd looking package.

Power comes a Chevrolet LS twin turbocharged V8 rated at 1,000hp and 915lbs/ft of torque, which is positioned right under the 1963 model’s original split rear window that was replaced with a mesh design.

Other performance upgrades include a custom built Mendeola transaxle and Master Shift paddles, a fully adjustable suspension from Penske Racing and 6-piston Baer brakes with cross-drilled rotors. The car rolls on custom HRE wheels shod with Michelin high-performance tires.

According to the builder, the brutally powerful V7 prototype can complete the 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in less than 3 seconds.

Story References: Barrett-Jackson via Autoguide

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